Great Lakes Wire

With a heat wave surging across most of the country, Michigan's forecast predictions for August is expected to bring "the hottest days of summer," according to Mlive. 

Many people seeking relief from the heat amid record inflation blame President Joe Biden and his administration.

"National electricity rates are through the roof under President Biden's failed leadership," Jonathan Lockwood, a Republican political consultant, said in a Great Lakes Wire report. "Energy costs are disproportionately hurting families, workers, and lower-income Americans who are struggling to rebuild their lives and livelihoods post-pandemic. Energy rates are the highest they've ever been in American history and the Democrats are doing everything in their power to strangle our energy portfolio." 

"The Democrats can’t count on moderate Republicans and disaffected Democrats and Independents voting Democrat just because they did in 2020," he said.

According to SaveOnEnergy.com, the median residential electricity rate in the country is 14.77 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and 11.92 cents per kWh for businesses. As of April, the average rate in Michigan is 17.65 cents per kWh -- up 0.4% from a year ago.

In September of 2021 and 2020, respectively, Michigan residents were paying an average of 16.07 cents per kWh and 15.86 cents per kWh, representing a 1.32% year-over-year increase. As of 2022, the percentage of people in Michigan living in poverty is 13.82% or 1,398,527 residents.

Across Michigan, residents were warned of extreme heat this summer, as temperatures in the 90s have been expected. Mlive reported the southern lower Michigan region will have a 40% chance of a moderate risk of excessive heat in August.

Using data from their latest Electric Power Monthly report, the U.S. Energy Information Administration stated that in 2021, the average nominal retail electricity price paid by U.S. residential electric customers rose at the fastest rate since 2008, increasing 4.3% from 2020 to 13.72 cents per kWh.

The Senate Opportunity Fund conducted a recent national poll that found 58% of Americans blame the president for inflation. This includes 48% of moderate voters and 30% of Democrats. The SOF poll was conducted July 5-7 and surveyed 800 general election likely voters in the national election.